Erie Water Works CEO Paul Vojtek notes that this is a monumental day for the Erie Water Works. It marks the first time the Erie Water Works has been awarded a grant of this size. Vojtek said, “I would like to personally thank and congratulate the staff at Erie Water Works who have truly been the force behind
this effort. I’d also like to thank the residents of McKean for their trust in our organization.”

The McKean project offers significant advancements in all three areas of public health and safety, economic impact and environmental and quality of life. There is long-standing documented evidence of both chemical and bacteriological contamination of the groundwater that serves many of the residences and businesses of McKean Township and Borough. Further reports have shown a high percentage of water outages of 48 hours or more. Erie Water Works will bring a safe and reliable public water supply to McKean Township and Borough. By delivering water at a consistent quantity (volume) and pressure, the project will also allow new businesses to start and existing businesses to expand. The Erie Water Works has already received commitments from various companies stating that this expansion will allow them to create new jobs.

According to Vojtek, the number of open parcels zoned business or industrial in McKean Township displays a great potential for growth now that the area will have a reliable source of water. Economic stimulus will be created as a result through employment of construction crews and jobs created by new or expanded businesses.

Richard Wasielewski, Erie Water Works Chairman of the Board commented, “This is the most significant investment by the Commonwealth in my fifty years of involvement with the Erie Water Works. This is a proud day for the board, the staff and our customers.”